A Blizzard of Blessings

Sunset on the drive into town.

I’m writing today during one of the few nice days we’ve had up here in weeks. Lately we have been pounded by snow and are tracking up to a total of fifteen feet so far, with more to come. This makes for a lot of snow removal work for everyone, particularly our wonderful guys with their shovels and snow plows.

During these days it feels like we are constantly fighting the weather: keeping roads and walkways clear, scraping windshields, fixing frozen pipes, and fighting our way up snowy mountain roads. It is easy to get frustrated, especially when you haven’t seen the sun in so long that the solar-powered WiFi tower turns off and you can’t even watch Netflix to help with the dreary-weather blues.

But here’s the deal: this snow is a huge blessing. Last year we had a drought over the winter and so in the summer there was not much snow to melt into water. Our electricity is generated by the flow of water from a spring and a few lakes which had not been replenished, so that caused many power issues. We could not have campfires or burn our trash this year because everything was too dry and we’d be risking a forest fire. So, reality check: snow equals blessings and s’mores!

However, it’s hard to remember this when you’re shoveling a foot of wet, dense, heavy snow over your shoulder onto a five-foot-high bank. Not fun.

This is the case though, isn’t it? Many times we get frustrated at our immediate circumstances, not realizing the positive impact it has for the future.

Is there an area in your life right now that brings you to God asking: Why, God? Why now? Why this?

Try looking at it from a different angle.

How is this growing you? What is God calling out in you during this time? What are you learning? Often times, the seasons in our lives that we deem as pointless and trying are actually blessings in disguise preparing us for the future.

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

— 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NASB)

He is always working within our circumstances to help us grow. We simply don’t always take advantage of that blessing. So, find ways to take advantage of the time and place you are in. See the ways it is preparing you for the future. Ask family and friends around you for insight if you are struggling to see it yourself.

God uses even such a seemingly menial job as shoveling snow (which is actually super important) to build something as significant as your character. He can use whatever you are struggling with today to prepare you for tomorrow and bring you closer to Him. You simply need to engage in letting Him work through your circumstances.

Spend time alone with God actively searching your life for what He is doing in you. Notice the small victories in the day to day and the large ones when they do happen.

Also, enjoy the “now”.

Yes, fifteen feet of snow is a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. Choose to take your snowmobile out for an adventure or go sledding down a mountain of snow. Choose to enjoy the relationships you have at that job you don’t particularly like. Choose to take advantage of a period of rest even when it’s difficult to leave your ministry in obedience.

Choose to be thankful for God’s provisions and blessings, even when life doesn’t look exactly how you want it to.

God is so awesome, there is no fifteen-foot-tall mountain of snow he can not melt down for His glory and your good.

Author: Natalie Martin - Staff

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